The Lost Boys Musical: Everything You Need to Know
One of the most iconic vampire movies of all time has been reimagined as a thrilling new Broadway musical, and it's landing right across the street at the Palace Theatre. Whether you're a longtime fan of the cult classic or never even heard of the original film, here's everything you need to know before you go.
The History Behind The Lost Boys Broadway Play
Before there was a Broadway show, there was a movie. The original The Lost Boys, directed by Joel Schumacher and released by Warner Bros. in 1987, became one of the defining films of its era. It was part horror, part coming-of-age story, part rock-and-roll fantasy.
The film starred Kiefer Sutherland as the leather-clad vampire leader David and launched the careers of Jason Patric, Corey Haim, and Corey Feldman. Its soundtrack was almost as influential as the film itself, featuring INXS, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Gerard McMahon's iconic "Cry Little Sister".
What Is The Lost Boys About?
Here’s a quick overview (no spoilers, I promise). The story is set in the 1990s in Santa Carla, California, in a beachside town with a dark secret. The Lost Boys: A New Musical follows the Emerson family as they arrive in town looking for a fresh start.
Lucy is trying to hold her family together after a difficult chapter. Her teenage son, Michael, is desperate for a sense of belonging and falls in with a charismatic local rock band. His younger brother Sam, meanwhile, starts piecing together the unsettling truth: when the sun goes down in Santa Carla, Michael's new friends aren't just edgy rockers — they're vampires. What follows is a race against time as Sam teams up with a pair of self-proclaimed vampire hunters (called the Frog Brothers) to pull his brother back from the brink before it's too late.
The movie is dark, fun, and full of great music. The Broadway show captures everything that made the original film a fan-favorite: danger, heartbreak, show tunes, and a sharp sense of humor. You can learn more about the show on the official Lost Boys website.
Where to Get The Lost Boys Tickets
The show is playing at the Palace Theatre in the Theater District and is part of this year’s Broadway season. You can get Lost Boys Broadway tickets on:
TodayTix has a partnership with The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens. Use code EDITION20 for $20 off your first ticket purchase and sign up for TodayTix to get special perks at the restaurant before the show. Check out our guide to Broadway for more tips.
The Lost Boys Cast & Characters
The cast of The Lost Boys musical features a deep ensemble of talented actors. Here’s who you’ll see on stage:
- Shoshana Bean plays Lucy Emerson, the family's emotional anchor. A two-time Tony Award nominee and longtime Broadway favorite, Bean brings gravity to the role that keeps the story grounded (even as things get increasingly supernatural around her).
- Ali Louis Bourzgui plays David, the seductive and dangerous leader of The Lost Boys vampires. Fresh off his acclaimed run as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera revival, Bourzgui brings exactly the kind of magnetic, charismatic, and unpredictable presence the role demands.
- LJ Benet plays Michael Emerson, the older brother drawn into the vampire world in search of connection and belonging. Benet makes his Broadway debut here, and his naturally likable demeanor is essential for an audience that needs to believe in his downward spiral.
- Benjamin Pajak plays Sam Emerson, Michael's sharp, funny younger brother and the character whose loyalty and quick thinking drive much of the plot. Pajak confidently shows clear stage expertise, bringing both wit and authenticity to the role.
As they say, there are no small roles. The rest of the Lost Boys characters round out the world of Santa Carla:
- Maria Wirries as Star, a young woman caught between two worlds, neither fully human nor fully lost.
- Paul Alexander Nolan as Max, a seemingly ordinary man with a far more complicated role in Santa Carla's dark ecosystem.
- Jennifer Duka as Alan Frog and Miguel Gil as Edgar Frog, the self-appointed vampire hunters who become Sam's unlikely allies.
Brian Flores, Sean Grandillo, and Dean Maupin as Marko, Dwayne, and Paul — the other members of David's vampire gang, each with their own menacing personality.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
Not all the stars are on stage. The Lost Boys Broadway show is directed by Tony Award winner Michael Arden, one of the most inventive directors working in theater today. He earned his Tony Award nomination for his work on Deaf West Theatre's landmark Broadway revival of Spring Awakening, a groundbreaking production performed simultaneously in English and American Sign Language that redefined Broadway musicals.
For The Lost Boys play, Arden also steps into a co-lighting designer role alongside two-time Tony nominee Jen Schriever, showing just how deeply his vision extends into every corner of his production.
Los Angeles-based indie rock band The Rescues created a killer soundtrack for the show, handling much of the music and lyrics. Their layered, harmonic sound is a natural fit for a story set in the 1990s rock underground of coastal California. The book is by David Hornsby and Chris Hoch, and music supervision is handled by Tony nominee Ethan Popp.
The show is produced by James Carpinello, Marcus Chait, and Patrick Wilson — yes, that Patrick Wilson, the famous actor and musician.
Awards & Recognition
The Lost Boys musical opened on Broadway on April 26, 2026, and has already received Drama League Award nominations for Outstanding Production, Outstanding Direction, and Distinguished Performance. In other words, the industry is paying close attention. With Tony Award season approaching, this is a show worth seeing before the buzz gets even louder. Check out what people are saying about the show.
How to Plan for The Lost Boys Musical on Broadway
Whether it’s your first Broadway show or your 50th, here are some quick tips to help you make the most of it.
- Get your tickets early. The Lost Boys is one of the most talked-about shows of the season, and availability will only get tighter.
- Pick your seats thoughtfully. Center orchestra, rows 5–10, is generally the sweet spot. But each theater is different, so use A View from My Seat to get a sense of sightlines before you buy.
- Plan dinner before the show. Located right across the street from the Palace Theatre, get the Broadway Express menu at The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens. It’s a three-course meal designed for theater-goers who want a proper sit-down meal without the stress of watching the clock. Plan to leave about an hour before curtain.
- Arrive early. Aim to be in your seat at least 15 minutes before the show starts. Latecomers may not be seated immediately, and given how the show opens, you don't want to miss the first few minutes.
- Know before you go. The show is recommended for ages 10 and up. Runtime hasn't been officially confirmed, but expect a full evening. Plan accordingly if you have trains to catch or babysitters to relieve.
- Check what's on at Paradise Club after the show. If you're still riding the energy of the night, look up whether Paradise Club has something going on. Also right across the street from the theater, they put on live music, cabaret, comedy, and late-night sets.
Killing time before or after the show? Check out our insider’s guide to the Theater District for all the best-kept secrets in the area.
Grab a Bite Before the Show
The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens makes it easy to plan a great night on Broadway. Our lush, garden oasis and innovative menu from Michelin-starred chef John Fraser adds a little drama to your evening.
The Broadway Express menu runs from 4:30–10 PM every day, perfect for a pre-show dinner or a quick drink after the show. And you won’t want to miss our exclusive Lost Boys-themed cocktail, Pale Moon Rising Moon, with Citadelle gin, Old Tom gin, Cocchi Americano aperitif, Martini & Rossi Ambrato vermouth, and lemon bitters. Headed to a matinee show? Stop by for the Express Lunch menu and sink your teeth into two courses for $40 per person.
If you’re looking for a quick drink before or after the show, stop by Lobby Bar. Join us for Golden Hour Sounds, an exclusive event every Wednesday and Thursday from 4–7 PM with a rotating lineup of DJs, handcrafted cocktails, and sunset views of the city.
The Lost Boys Musical FAQs
Have questions about the show? We’ve got answers.
When does The Lost Boys open on Broadway?
It’s already here! The Lost Boys: A New Musical began Broadway previews on March 27, 2026, with opening night on April 26, 2026, at the Palace Theatre in Times Square.
When does The Lost Boys musical stop running on Broadway?
The show is currently scheduled to run at the Palace Theatre through November 21, 2026.
How long is the show?
While showtimes can vary, it runs approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, including intermission.
What age rating is The Lost Boys musical?
The Lost Boys Broadway show is recommended for ages 10 and up. The show deals with themes of danger, identity, and the supernatural, which are handled with enough maturity that younger kids may find certain moments intense. For older children and teenagers, especially those who are already fans of the original film or enjoy a good vampire story, it's a great night of thrilling theater and music.
Do I need to have seen the original film?
Not. The musical works as a completely standalone story. That said, fans of the 1987 film will catch plenty of subtle nods to the original movie.
How much are The Lost Boys Broadway tickets?
Tickets start at $59.67 but vary depending on where you get them.
Where is the Palace Theatre?
The Palace Theatre is located at 160 West 47th Street, directly across from The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens. Get directions.
Is there parking near The Lost Boys show?
Yes, there are several parking garages within a short walk. Most theater-goers take the subway: the N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E trains all stop nearby.
What should I wear to The Lost Boys Broadway show?
There's no dress code. The New Yorker standard applies: something comfortable, polished, and weather-appropriate. Think "nice night out."